Housing as a determinant of health for older LGBT Canadians: Focus group findings from a national housing study

This article shares key focus group findings from a national study focused on the housing needs of older (55+) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Canadians. LGBT populations have continue to face systemic discrimination barriers appropriate across life course, yet little attention has been given solutions. Many adults live alone, poverty, limited familial supports which impact their options. The purpose this research was examine how Canadians are addressed at community, organizational, policy levels. Focus participants in five Canadian provinces were asked describe experiences perceptions safe, affordable, affirming for people. Five themes data help guide providers policymakers improving Canadians: (a) understanding lifelong evolving fears among populations, (b) recognizing diversity (c) operationalizing LGBT-inclusive philosophies, (d) addressing isolation exclusion through interventions, (e) providing people with tools access housing. These offer practical programming approaches address concerns LBGT